AVON — Trees along Interstate Highway 94 near Avon will be cleared this week to make way for a new noise barrier.

The work is the first part of a project that will construct a 3,400 foot-long noise barrier along the highway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Construction will begin in the spring.

The barrier is expected to cost about $1.5 million. Most of the money will be funded by Greater Minnesota Stand-Alone Noise Barrier Program. The city of Avon is expected to contribute 10 percent of the cost.

MnDOT is warning drivers to watch for heavy equipment and slow-moving traffic as the work is underway. The tree clearing could take up to five days.